Tuesday, December 04, 2007

"Where The Streets Have No Name...."

My friend sent this to me and it made think about all the possibilities that are out there. This is soo cool that this person is having all these amazing experiences! ENJOY!!!

"What can I say? This is truly yet another experience of a lifetime.

I have canoed on the Orange River, which divides South Africa and Namibia, and seen the rare Goliath Heron take flight immediately in front of me.I have driven stick shift on the wrong side of the road with my friend Hillary GAGGING with laugther.I have camped under a 500-year-old acacia tree ridden with all manner of songbirds.I have slept in a hammock under a canopy of stars (all completely visible since there is minimal light reflection out in the desert). You haven't stargazed until you've done so from a desert.I have endured crazy, windy sandstorms blowing straight through our campsite, depositing POUNDS of sand everywhere.I have bonded with my very fun group of Aussies, Kiwis, and Brits. To the point of ALL 10 of us SKYDIVING above the Namib desert...absolutely stunning and incredible experience.I have swum in the frigid-but-turquoise beaches of beautifully set Cape Town.I have climbed Dune 45 in Sossusvlei at 5 in the morning to watch the sun rise over the red sands.I have been airborne whilst quad-biking on the vast expanse of dunes near Swakopmund.I have wandered just about every kind of desert available, and recognising how precious water resources are in this world.I have woken up next to jackals, baboons, and oryx, ravaging through our trash for food.I have sat atop our truck with a cold beer in hand, while watching the sun set over Fish River Canyon, 3rd largest in the world.I have learned that oysters are best eaten with a dash of salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon, 3 drops of tabasco, and a splash of tequila before pouring it down ones throat.I have danced the night away at discos playing nothing but Africa dance music to very enthusiastic crowds.

And the best part? This is only half-way over! In an hour we head off to go bush camping in a very spiritual place...Spitzkoppe. After that we head to the various game parks and reserves and experience true wildlife (I am EXCITED about gazing at majestic elephant herds!). Then Bots and Zim (the overlander terms for Botswana and Zimbabwe).

Before we reach Bots, though, we will camp near a school/orphanage, where we will interact with the local children properly, and provide them with a little love and happiness, perhaps a soccer game (I will let them win, of course!). I'm very much looking forward to that.

I feel very connected to this continent right now. And to myself. And life in general. Imagine listening to U2's Joshua Tree while hanging out the window of a large truck, feeling absolutely content, fulfilled, and appreciative of all things that have happened thus far in life...that's me right now. If only I could share this with all the ones I love, like, and honour. Hopefully one day I will get to. For now, however, this is mine, and I will enjoy it for what it is and what it is doing to my spirit.

To all those having bad weeks: hang in there. They won't last. There are too many no-named streets waiting to be explored, experienced, absorbed, to focus on the little things.

To all those having great weeks: I am with you in spirit, and hope to join you in person very soon.

Internet is a rarity in these parts, so next you hear from me is probably when I get back. I'm also sending this to random peeps, so feel free to forward to anyone at all interested."